Mahogany is regarded by many as the world's premier wood for fine cabinetry, high-class furniture, trimming fine boats, pianos and other musical instruments. This specie has been heavily exploited and is already extinct in parts of its original range. It is very rarely used for flooring due to its scarcity, high price, and relative softness. Mahogany’s colors range from light salmon to a dark reddish-brown to even a deep crimson red.

Because of its scarcity, there are several substitute species that are similar in color and can be used for flooring: Santos Mahogany, Lyptus, African Mahogany, Sipo and Sapele.